Rheem Debuts New Value Line of Commercial Package Gas, Electric and Package Air Conditioning UnitsRheem
Manufacturing Company recently debuted an entirely new
value line of commercial package gas, electric and
package air conditioning units. Designed to meet the
increasingly competitive package unit market, the line
features solid performance and reliability, as well as
features that lead to smooth installations and
serviceability—all for a fair price. A number of
factors have made the commercial package unit market
more competitive than ever. First, the global economy
has endured the deepest economic recession since the
Great Depression. Prices for package units have
continually increased due to market pressures such as
higher raw material costs for copper, steel, aluminum
and fuel.

Increased
legislation has also impacted the commercial package
unit market. In January 2010, the HVAC industry began
adhering to two new federal requirements. The first
requirement targeted higher efficiency levels and the
second mandated the use of a new refrigerant, R-410.
These legislative factors meant that businesses had to
select equipment that meets entirely new environmental
and efficiency demands.

Finally,
commercial HVAC decision-makers still had to evaluate a
number of factors they’d traditionally take into
consideration when making an HVAC purchase, such as
cabinet size. Although the HVAC unit is typically the
main piece of equipment on a business’ rooftop, there
are other items located on the roof that take up space,
such as exhaust fans, condensers, electrical conduits,
sewer vents and more. Commercial HVAC decision makers
should try to find an HVAC unit with the smallest
cabinet that fits their heating and cooling needs. This
will help ensure that the HVAC unit won’t interfere
with other key pieces of equipment located on the
rooftop.

With
these factors in mind, it’s crucial that contractors
have the right commercial HVAC equipment in their
portfolios— ones that meet price, legislative and
sizing needs. Rheem understands the dynamics of the
commercial HVAC market and spent 14 months developing
the new Rheem Package Value Line of commercial package
gas electric and package air conditioning units.
Available in sizes ranging from six to 20 tons, the
Rheem Package Value Line is ideal for educational
institutions, retailers, office buildings and
restaurants.

The
Rheem Package Value Line leads the industry in unit
weight, size (l x w x h) and capacity. Businesses will
benefit from lighter equipment offered in smaller sizes,
which means that the units are less likely to interfere
with other structures on the roof, such as exhaust fans,
sewer vents and roof drains.

The
Rheem Package Value Line also leads in airflow and R-410
charge weight; plus, it is optimized to meet the federal
requirements of EER at or near nominal capacities and
airflow. As businesses seek to comply with new
environmental regulations, purchasing units that use the
least amount of refrigerant will help achieve greener
HVAC operations. Rheem has aided serviceability by
including easy-access panels for all units in the line.
Contractors can access controls (compressor, control
box, etc.) by removing service panels on the
units.

The
units are equipped with external gauge ports, which
enable the compressor service panel to stay in place
while the unit is running so that the contractor can
accurately diagnose any service issues. End users will
benefit from the use of Micro Channel heat exchangers in
the units. Micro Channel technology uses thin tubes to
transfer heat. The technology ensures less obstruction
to airflow and uses less fan power; both of these traits
contribute to improved energy efficiency.

The
internally webbed, fin design adds strength; increases
the surface area; and improves thermal efficiency. The
Micro Channel technology that Rheem employed in the
Package Value Line features an all-aluminum design,
which resists damage and is easy to recycle when the
unit no longer functions. Plus, the technology uses 40
percent less refrigerant than comparable models in the
industry today.

While
the market challenges facing businesses today may remain
consistent for a number of years, contractors can better
serve commercial HVAC customers by taking a close look
at the right system that meets their needs and budget.
The Rheem Package Value Line should help contractors
present a competitively priced and high performing
system to commercial customers and prospects.